Latrobe resident Clare Kaczmarek’s affinity for area parks is reflected in the photos she takes at the scenic locations.

It also has translated into multiple wins in an annual photo contest conducted by the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.

An image Kaczmarek snapped of snow-covered structures and evergreens at Laurel Mountain State Park captured the 2021 Judges’ Choice Award in the contest’s Esthetic Value category. Her photo of flowing water and fall foliage at Ohiopyle State Park was honored as the Judges’ Choice in the previous year’s Motion category.

“I’ve taken hundreds of images at Laurel Mountain State Park because I love the light in the early morning there and because I love winter,” Kaczmarek said. “My goal with my photography is simply to try to preserve some of the beauty I encounter and to share with others the scenes that bring me so much joy and peace.”

Several other area residents had winning entries in the 2021 photo contest.

Armbrust resident Krystal Blake’s photo of a curious skunk at Laurel Hill State Park earned a Judges’ Choice nod in the “Natural Value” category. Trafford’s Angelo Mamone took a similar award in the “Historic Value” category with his study of a barn and covered bridge at McConnell’s Mill State Park.

“I love taking photos of things that culturally we often find to be ‘ugly’ or ‘scary’ and portraying them in a more positive light that shows off the subject’s beauty or ‘cuteness,’” said Blake.

Mamone was able to document the transition between seasons at McConnell’s Mill. “What inspired me the most was the opportunity to capture both the fall and winter together in such a beautiful setting,” he said.

People’s Choice awards went to Latrobe resident Sabine Panzner-Kaelin, in the “Scenic Value” category, and to Pittsburgh’s Gwendolyn Sobkowiak, in the “Young Photographers” division.

Panzner-Kaelin won with a fog-shrouded view of Laurel Summit State Park, Sobkowiak with a close-up of mushrooms and moss at Laurel Ridge State Park.

The 2021 photo contest helped to mark the 50th anniversary of the Environmental Rights Amendment to Pennsylvania’s Constitution.

Entries accepted

PPFF is accepting entries for its 2022 photo contest, which has the theme “Clean Water and Forested Ecosystems.” Professional and amateur photographers may enter photos captured in the state’s parks and forests. Visit paparksandforests.org for details.

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